Post high school greatness skews the high school perception. I do not base on winning accolades...a NCAA champion winning in 13:55 for 5K does not equal a great performance, I would have to rank by high school performance only, as follows:
Mile/Two-mile
1. Alan Webb 3:53 Mile, Incredible!!!
2. Jim Ryun 3:55 Mile, simply amazing!!!
3. Jeff Nelson 8:36.3 Two-mile, He broke 8:40!!!
4. German Fernandez 8:34.23 3200M, solo effort!!!
4. Gerry Lindgren 8:40.00 Two-mile, INDOORS!!! Close to WR.
5. Jim Danielson 3:59.4 Mile
6. Marty Liquori 3:59.8 Mile
7. Craig Virgin 8:40.9 Two-mile, solo!
in my humble opinion, in terms of effort these are the top seven mens performances of all-time. My prediction for Nike Outdoor Nationals is as follows: Luke takes the lead from the gun pushes through 63 second opening quarter, Fernandez close behind, Fernandez retakes lead in closing steps of 800m crossing in 2:06, Puskedra tucks in behind Fernandez who pushes through a 64 second lap crossing 1200m in 3:10. Puskedra looks strong as Fernandez leads from the front crossing mile in 4:13, HE WANTS THE RECORD!!!, two laps go by with Puskedra and Fernandez trading laps, 64,66 the announcers chant, Lowe hangs ominously 15 yards back...but looks good. With two laps to go the scoreboard reads 6:24, in an instant Puskedra tries to shake Fernandez mounting an unbelievable push, could this be Centrowitz/Forys #II? Puskedra is laboring, but wouldn't anyone, as he and Fernandez are abreast with a lap to go, 7:27!!! Holy shit, they could break 8:30!!! Fernandez unleashes a surge against the near 7 foot stride of Puskedra as the fight for every last ounce of life from their laboring bodies, 7:57 3K!!! and they are still abreast, down the home stretch puskedra's massive frame locks up, but he doesn't give up, the fluid frame of the efficient Fernandez edges ahead as they cross the line.....for a 59 second final lap, the scoreboard reads as follows:
1. German Fernandez 8:27.56
2. Luke Puskedra 8:28.23
3. Colby Lowe 8:39.96
The age of high school distance running will never be the same. Believe it, you can achieve it!!!!